This post is for Alex Cavanaugh’s Insecure Writers Support Group (click the link for details on what that means and how to join. You will also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge that are worth checking out. The first Wednesday of every month, we all post our thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers.
This month’s question – It’s been said that the benefits of becoming a writer who does not read is that all your ideas are new and original. Everything you do is an extension of yourself, instead of a mixture of you and another author. On the other hand, how can you expect other people to want your writing, if you don’t enjoy reading? What are your thoughts?
To be honest, I’ve never heard any recommend NOT reading as part of writing. In fact, I’m drenched in quotes about “To write is to read”. Here, see what you think:
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” — Stephen King
“Writing is reading inside out.” –John Updike
“…write every day… Read intensely. Then see what happens.” — Ray Bradbury
“When I want to read a novel, I write one.” — Benjamin Disraeli
“I’ll read something, maybe the Psalms, maybe, again, something from Mr. Dunbar, James Weldon Johnson. And I’ll remember how beautiful, how pliable the language is, how it will lend itself. If you pull it, it says, ‘Okay.’ I remember that, and I start to write.” — Maya Angelou
“If you want to be a good writer, you have to read, because that’s how you learn about what makes good writing.” — Tommie DePoala
“All writers I know are readers first and foremost…” — Mark Billingham
“Writers read. That’s what they do.” — Anonymous
“Good reading makes for damn hard writing.” — Richard Brinsley Sheridan
“[R]ead a lot, write a lot” is the great commandment.” — Stephen King
“Read a lot. Write a lot. Have fun.” –Daniel Pinkwater
How about you? I’ll come check out your posts.
More on reading
I Have a Confession: I’m a Whale Reader
A Bunch of Resources for Read Across America Day
More IWSG articles
Does Your Writing Surprise You?
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the Man vs. Nature saga. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, In the Footsteps of Giants, Winter 2021. You can find her tech ed books at her publisher’s website, Structured Learning
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I read a lot and I do mean a lot! I think I have good ideas for stories/books but the few times that I’ve shared my work for ‘critique’, I’ve been annihilated. I get discouraged then try again but I’m reluctant to share my work. I keep editing and reediting.
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I’ve managed to read a few books, and would love to spend more time reading. Sigh… time…
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I don’t think there’s a required quantity, though. I think it’s more about understanding the joy of reading that this refers to. And you do. The fact that it’s your relaxation (when there’s time for that sort of thing) makes that point.
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It’s my passion for reading that made me want to write. And I believe that writers should support other writers. We stand on ladders held against the sky by others, and we should be humble and grateful for those willing to support us by showing the way up. I don’t copy other writers, at least certainly not with intent (you’ll have to tell me if I’m mistaken about this, Jacqui.) Most of the writers whose work I truly admire – and there are many, many, many – write much better than I can hope to achieve. I will always be a reader. Hope one day to be published. Such an interesting question, and so many thoughtful answers.
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No, you have your own unique style and I do miss reading it. You have a way of describing settings, people like no other.
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Totally agree! How can you hope to write without having an appreciation of reading? They are the same process; at the very least writing is a process of rereading what you’ve already written. Great quotes, they give me confidence that I’m doing the right thing by absorbing all the literature I can.
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Absolutely. I actually read several hours a day–consider it research. The books I buy I consider a ‘business expense’. Because they are!
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I read very little, and very slowly: that is, I analyze other writers’ work rather than enjoy it. So no, I don’t read for pleasure – or very rarely, anyway. Why? Rightly or wrongly, I have developed a style that is my own, and ‘taking tone’ from others does not enhance that. Rather, it inhibits. I also believe that language can be shaped and changed; the rules of grammar reorganized once and again to achieve an effect. I think my main quarrel with ‘creative writing’ courses is their reliance upon the work of existing writers, rather than invoking the new. They repress creativity, not enhance it.
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I’m so glad you commented, Fred. I have a better understanding of writers who don’t read. In the fullness of writing, it is the creative voice that catches our attention, isn’t it.
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Well the more I read the wider my imagination that inspires me in making stories and poems but sometimes I’m having a hardtime being creative and unique because as far I observed some novels and stories end up having same plot so I sometimes hit the mark about what will be its ending.
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There are only a few plots but there is an infinite number of author’s voices to tell that. It’s like a fingerprint. That’s what–for me–makes this whole journey fascinating.
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A neat collection of quotes to make me think and keep reading.
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I do like quotes, Roland!
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I would take what Tommie DePoala says and turn it on it’s head: You have to read a lot because that shows you what bad writing is. It’s also something they say about leadership, that you can learn as much from bad leaders, maybe more, as with good leaders.
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Good point, JM. I’ve found as write more, I’m a more critical reader, analyzing character development, story arcs… BTW, good microfiction on your blog!
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Yeah, me too. The better and more experienced I get with writing (and editing), the more I can see the issues in other work. Does take some of the joy out of reading. I wish “critic mode” had an off switch.
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Fantastic quotes! I can’t imagine not reading to benefit writing–at all!
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Settled science–writers read. Right?
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Reading is a great way to pull yourself out of writer’s block!
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You are so right. That’s my favorite method.
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When someone tells me (proudly, as a rule) that they write but don’t read, I fell compassion.
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‘Proudly’–oh my. Like when I asked my brother about my latest book and he said–proudly almost, “Didn’t read it. I don’t read much.”
Really?
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Perhaps defensively. Hard to believe, yes. It hurt at first when I realised most of my relatives don’t read or listen to my work, until I was told, that’s the norm! It’s my work, and I know only a smidgen about their work too. They’re still proud of me. And some people find reading hard, don’t they?
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You’re a lot kinder than my thoughts were. I wrote him out of my will, along with his dogs and cats. We’re done!
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Good feeling, I bet.
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Writers need to read to fill the creative well. And without reading how would we know what is popular and trending.
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So true. So many books, I remember months–years–later. They impact my life and thinking.
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One of the best pieces I ever received from an agent was to read other mystery writers. I had to know what was being published and what other writers were focusing on with their plots and themes.
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That’s interesting. Given that, I’d never have published my series (because almost no one writes in my genre). I get it though, and she’s right!
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I have found out that my writing is stronger and better because I read.
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Me, too. Sometimes I’m inspired. Other times, I’m confirmed. Both are important, aren’t they?
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Yes, both are important!
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Reblogged this on Nesie's Place and commented:
Great question for #writers! 😊👍
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Thanks for sharing this!
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If one doesn’t read, why write? 🤔 Love of the written word works both ways. Writing and reading enhance each other, so if one isn’t reading, they’re limiting their own writing ability. So much for creativity. 😏😏
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There is a lot to agreed with in what you said, Felicia. That link to creativity–I don’t know how you make it without reading.
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Great quotes. Jacqui! I can’t not read!
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I do get inspired by great quotes!
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Hey Jacqui,
Not reading sounds a tad bit lazy. And look what all the author is missing out on. Xhosa for one:)
I especially loved these: “Writers read. That’s what they do.” — Anonymous
“Good reading makes for damn hard writing.” — Richard Brinsley Sheridan
Great post as usual.
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I liked that one too–from Anonymous. It could just as well be from “Every Writer Ever.
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Great quotes, Jacqui. Honestly, I don’t read to get inspiration for stories, although occasionally a spark does flash into my consciousness. I read to learn how to write (and not write). I notice wonderful passages, exquisite word choices, why a character is fascinating, the power behind an opening scene. Reading with one eye on craft is a great way to become a better writer. 🙂
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That is a great reason too, Diana. Me too–I love finding how they describe something in a few words that stays with me for weeks.
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I can’t imagine wanting to write if you don’t read. Why bother? We learn so much about LIFE through reading. I teach creative writing classes, and those who don’t read in my class have little imagination. And in fact, they only write stories based on TV characters. Truly, no reading- no good writing.
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Really good connection–between reading and imagination. It’s true innit.
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If you don’t like reading, what inspires one to write? And if you write, surely there must be an inspiration to read? Reading and writing go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. Sorry, but the whole idea eludes me.
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It would be like–for your other passion–are there any musicians who don’t love listening to music? I doubt it.
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Absolutely true, Jacqui. Without other’s music I would never have been inspired to write my own songs. 🙂
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Great quotes. I especially like the Updike one.
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Updike was quite a writer in his day. I read most of what he put out there.
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Great quotes!
Heather
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Thanks, Heather!
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They are all great quotes. I especially like the last one: and have fun 🙂
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I thought that was a good twist on conventional wisdom. Thanks for visiting, Lynda.
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Wonderful quotes! Writing and reading were made for each other… ❤ xo
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Absolutely, Bette. Love both.
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I’m not sure why anyone would love to write who doesn’t also love to read!
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And no one has responded on any of these #IWSG posts confirming that. Interesting.
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If it wasn’t for reading, I would never have thought of writing in the first place. So it seems to be that reading a lot would be nothing but helpful.
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Exactly. I like checking your blog once a month, Ken, to see how your new writing career is going. I have the same goal for October–decide if NaNoWriMo will work.
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For me, reading came first.
Writing followed many years after.
I love reading. I can read all day. Every day (if I had my own way) 😀
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I’m with you–way later!
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I’ve heard about this view and personally think it’s utter rubbish – I’m with King and the others: no writing without reading!
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Yep. I’ve never known anyone who believed this. And as I read lots of posts, I am not finding any new insights!
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I love that Updike quote! I’ve never heard it before. It’s so true!
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It is clever, and I’m impressed you’ve heard of John Updike.
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I have devoured books from the time I was a kid. Even now, it is my way to wind down each evening before I go to bed. I love writing, but reading is a very close second!
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Reading is always my preferred relaxation. So fun.
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I devoured many books, some well above my age range, before giving writing a shot myself. That foundation was instrumental in becoming a writer. The structure only gets higher the more one reads. Thanks for collecting these quotes! 🙂
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I can’t imagine not reading before writing. It would be like baking a cake without a recipe. Good on your parents to let you read above your age.
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Nice,,
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Thanks!
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Hi Jacqui. Nice post! I wholeheartedly believe a writer is a reader first. Books inspire writer’s to write.
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I have yet to find any serious writer who says differently. Interesting.
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I agree! 🙂
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One of the greatest joys in my life was teaching kids to read. To see their eyes light up when they completed the sentence or paragraph or story and to discuss it with the group. Amazing. Too bad so many students lose the joy of reading as they grow older and too bad kids who hate reading don’t have a way to open up the page and use a different method of learning how to read. But I’m off the rails here. Really enjoyed the quotes and your colorful presentation of them on the page.
JQ Rose
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It was as bit of a struggle to get my son to read. I finally told him to pick his books–whatever he wanted, that was fine. He’s read voraciously ever since. In high school, he was the kid who read Thucydides and the Greek philosophers.
Go figure.
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I agree that reading a lot is vital for writing. I don’t really think that people who don’t like to read would want to write anyway. It is a lot of hard work and unless you make it really bit, you don’t earn that much from it – a bit of a calling really.
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As I was researching this answer (that’s me–I love the research), I only found one writer who confessed to NOT being a reader. I’d never heard of him. Do you think there’s a causal relationship there?
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Absolutely, Jacqui.
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Great collection of quotes! Happy IWSG day 🙂
Ronel visiting and on co-hosting IWSG day Co-hosting, Flagship Content and Interesting Developments
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It took me longer than I expected to find quotes about writers being readers. Sigh.
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All great quotes, Jacqui. Have to read to write!
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Somehow, knitting or cooking doesn’t inspire my creativity like reading does.
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Right!
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Love the quotes! Stephen King’s is my go-to on the subject. The idea that someone has “original” ideas because s/he doesn’t read is preposterous. And what a loss for them. Reading has enriched my life in ways too numerous to count.
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Mine too–the Stephen King quote. I was surprised more writers haven’t said something similar. I struggled to find quotes and most of the rest are from writers I didn’t know. Well, not counting Disraeli, Updike, and Bradbury.
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Love the quotes. I was surprised by the question because I never thought about writers not reading. I always assumed it was a given.
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Me too. Of all the advice I’ve read for writers, to read-read-read is the most-repeated.
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Loved the quotes. If you don’t read you miss the joy and fun. If I did not love to read I would have never decided to write.
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I agree. How would I know it was OK to make stuff up without fiction?
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Those quotes say it all – read!
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Amen.
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Interesting quotes, I just saved them
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Stephen King comes closest to what I was looking for. Thanks for visiting.
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In order to get words out you have to put words in. Writers read then they can write.
Some of my best writing I stole from others …
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Can I quote you on this?
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You may!
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Exactly. It’s an absurd notion to me that NOT reading creates better, more original stories. Phooey. How can there be any passion in the writing if the writer doesn’t love to read?
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I didn’t get this question well. Who would think writers don’t read? I am going to enjoy reading other opinions.
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The whole concept of “I don’t read, so my ideas will be new and original” made ZERO sense to me. If you (general you, obviously) haven’t read, you have no idea whether your ideas are new or original (and I doubt they are anyway, given myths and archetypes).
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My reaction too. I’m think our Ninja Leader asked this question just to rile all of us up!
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Sheesh, it makes sense to write. I mean, c’mon. We gotta read first to learn our alphabets so we can turn ’em into words and then make stories. Whoever came up with that idea was a pretty cool person. I.B. Nosied to meet ’em, heh heh.
Great quotes up there, by the way.
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I got a little desperate, thinking I might have missed something the last 150 years, so I checked with the experts. Nope, I was spot on.
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Love the quotes you shared. They say it all.
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I want to find someone who say, Yeah–that’s me, so I can ask how they do it (write without reading).
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A writer that doesn’t read? That person doesn’t exist.
Bye till next time, Jacqui. Enjoy the day.
Neil
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There you have it–the consensus of opinion. Agreed!
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Love the quotes, Jacqui. I’m not sure if Disraeli is on the same page though. I’m certain we learn to write by reading, as well as by writing. The writers know.
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Agreed. I was having trouble finding the quotes that said exactly what I was thinking (along the lines of, If a writer doesn’t read, are they really a writer?). Stephen King came closest.
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I think it’s through reading that we learn the language. Reading is better than any grammar lesson anytime, though sometimes it helps to have things clarified.
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I read a great book once, called “How to read like a writer”. It was very eye-opening!!
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Oooh, that sounds good. I’m off to find it.
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I am with Stephen King and Co. on this. Reading is learning, and reading and writing reviews for other authors always comes back to you in many (often unexpected) ways.
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One of the posts I read on this question said reading prevents writer’s block (something like that). I find that so true. If I’m stuck, I read in my genre and become inspired.
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Never heard an argument against. From a technical perspective as well, I believe it leads to a greater understanding of the craft.
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I haven’t either (ever heard this said). But, I was a reader long before I wrote so I wondered if that was the reason. Judging by the comments here and the posts I am reading, we all agree!
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Reading always gets me unstuck. Great quotes, Jacqui!
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Me, too. I have my favorite genre–one that fits me perfectly, doesn’t challenge my closely-held beliefs or personal identity–and relax. Stuff always percolates up from my subconscious.
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